-Judy Appel, Executive Director, Our Family Coalition

Our Family Coalition is pleased to contribute to the Let California Ring public education effort, and especially enthusiastic that the effort includes, from the get-go, an emphasis on putting families front-and-center. LGBTQ-headed families and our children are uniquely affected by the freedom to marry in California and will play a central role any effort to educate people about the importance of this freedom.

No child should have to wonder if their family is considered equal in the eyes of society, yet studies have shown that LGBTQ youth and youth with LGBTQ parents experienced increased incidents of harassment during and after the campaign to pass Proposition 8. Furthermore, those who oppose the freedom to marry have consistently used our children and their schools to escalate irrational fears about our motives behind advancing the freedom to marry and full equality for LGBTQ people. By sharing our stories, and talking about our lives--our hopes, dreams, fears, and concerns--our families will continue to effectively dispel those myths.

Our families live in every community and represent every racial/ethnic and socio-economic background. The deep impact on our kids of their parents and families facing various societal barriers leads many parents to feel the unique responsibility to share their stories and lives in the hope that the next generation will grow up in a more accepting society. By working with Let California Ring and the Committee on Families, Our Family Coalition can build upon our capacity to empower LGBTQ parents to educate their neighbors, relatives, friends and communities about the importance of full equality for all.

Our Family Coalition promotes the civil rights and well-being of Bay Area LGBTQ families with children and prospective parents through education, advocacy, social networking and grassroots community organizing. www.ourfamily.org